Anyone Using the Kowa TSN-773 Prominar XD Spotting Scope?

[murf45]

Anyone Using the Kowa TSN-773 Prominar XD Spotting Scope? If so Im wondering how well it stacks up to the big 3 euro scopes? I've been thinking about buying it but haven't been able find much information about them.

 

[bighornhunter]

I've got a 883 but I've never actually looked through the 773. I was told however by a dealer that its just slightly less sharp as the 883. Cornell Lab of Ornithology did a big scope comparison in 2008 and ranked the 773 second in the comparison, just below the 883, but was higher than the Swaro HD, Leica, and Zeiss. Being said this was in 2008 so its a little outdated. I would search on Kowa's website for a local dealer and talk to the dealer to see how they compare to the other scopes. Before I bought my 883 the dealer brought a Swarovski 80 HD and the Kowa was noticeably superior to my eyes. Hope that helps some.

View attachment 18044
Cornell Lab Comparison Chart

 

[Cindy]

I came across a guy from back east with a Kowa Prominar TSN 883. He was out doing a little observation.
I had my Swarovski ATX 95.

We each sat there going back and forth, using our own, then the other guys scopes.
Doing a little comparison.

I have wanted a Kowa ever since.

I won't say that it was hands down a better scope than the Swarovski.
I actually could not tell a difference.

Thats saying a lot since I had 95 mm vs his 88 mm.

I would not shy away from Kowa.
They are AWESOME scopes.

That being said, I have never looked through a 773.
But I bet you would not be unhappy.

 

[Jeff Martin]

Compare the weight of the Kowa 77 to a Swaro 65 or 80. You will be shocked to know the Kowa 77 is lighter, smaller (even the 65) and glass is simply superb.

 

[Matt Cashell]

I haven't used the Kowa 77, but I would expect it to be awesome. It takes the same eyepieces as the optically amazing 88, including the remarkable Prominar WA zoom.

Here is my take on the 88:

http://www.rokslide.com/2012-01-09-05-09-42/optics/261-swarovski-atx85-kowa-884

 

[flyinsquirel]

I was eyeballing a 773 lately and from the listed weights it weighs 60oz w/eyepiece. Is that # accurate? I would be more than happy to hear that it weighs less than that.

 

[murf45]

Thanks for the input guys. I recently looked through a 66 mm kowa and in comparison to my 80mm swarovski non hd I thought the kowa had a sharper image and better contrast. It's really got me thinking twice about my scope.